Retro wall stencils — patterns and tips from 8 reader projects

Over the past year or two, at least seven — update: eight — of our readers have created their own midcentury modern retro ‘painted wallpaper’ using homemade stencils, templates and stamps. This snazzy solution may be a bit on the time consuming side, but it is also an affordable project — with endless possibilities. We gathered all the examples into this one, easy-to-check-out story.1. Above: Karen used gold starburst stencils in the budget remodel of her pink bathroom.

click on this image – it will enlarge – print it to make your stencil pattern (resize according to your needs)

Above: Karen’s idea was so fantastic that reader Nancy generously made a stencil for anyone in our retro community wanting to create a similar treatment on their walls.

I don’t have any painted walls but I was inspired by the starburst designs so I did a make-over on a castoff dented beige t.v. tray from the goodwill. I did it freehand so it’s a bit wonky but I’ll send you a pic.

Funny guys, very funny. You need to stop looking in my brains. I am literally about to buy some handmade stamps from ETSY to do this on a wall in my laundry room. Like I’ve been planning this for 2 weeks. MMMM…. BRAINS…… Pyrex bowl stamps…..